They do have a huge sea turtle conservation project that is a must to check out if you come during the sea turtle hatching season. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 Did you find this post helpful? I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. The only downside to the place is that it is a little away from the beach, so you dont get any beach access while hanging out here. Discover El Paredon, Guatemala: Things To Do + FAQs Answered If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. El Paredon Guatemala - 13+ Cool Things To Do, Where To Stay & Eat It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. var Latitude=13.921353;var Longitude=-91.068703;var rootSlug='el-paredon-gt';var PlaceName='El Paredon';var today = new Date();var dd = String(today.getDate()+2).padStart(2, '0');var mm = String(today.getMonth() + 1).padStart(2, '0');var yyyy = today.getFullYear();today= yyyy + '-' + mm + '-' + dd; The best times to visit El Paredon for ideal weather are. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Things you need to know about visiting El Paredon beach in Guatemala, There are only about 5 places to stay there (a few more options and it is growing), Although there isnt much choice in the way of places to eat, the food is amazing, If you are looking for a quiet time out place, go to El Paredon, If you want a mix of quiet time and party time then you want. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Claires Itchy Feet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Some of the other activities you can book through them include: As you will come soon find out, partying is very popular in this area of Guatemala. With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. I would suggest a minimum of 2 nights so you can take the time to relax as well as get a surf lesson and go turtle watching! Tourist busses from Antigua to el Paredon are faster and safer and more comfortable, which are three good reasons why you would want to use them. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. 5 amazing things to do at El Paredon Guatemala - Boundless Roads Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. You will have to transfer busses and then take a tuk-tuk when you get closer to town, This doesnt save that much money and a shuttle is still more cost-effective, If you have a group of people then an uber can be a good choice. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. The nice thing about that is, you can lose yourself in your day and then when the light begins to drop and the sunset oranges appear you just drop everything and head to the beach. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. If you have a portable one then that is even better! If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). Top Hotels in El Paredon from $55 - Expedia Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 76 68. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. The hostel is a huge part of the community in El Paredon, so if you need information about surfing, turtle release, or really about anything in El Paredon, the staff at Driftwood Surfer can help you. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. Its one of the best surf spots in Guatemala, in fact, The Guardian thinks its one of the t. Where is El Paredon beach, and how do you get from Antigua to the beach? Some tours even include classes for you to learn how the locals fish, and youll get the chance to try a new experience on a tranquil part of the mangrove. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. This small, laidback fishing village is located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital. Its never far! Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. Youll drive past lots of birds (some of which are migrating up north to Alaska or some that are migrating down south) as pass the mouth to the ocean and then head to a place where turtles have been living for hundreds of years. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. The lazy beach town isn't one that many people think to venture to when visiting Guatemala, as often popular tourist destinations like Tikal and Lake Atitlan fall further up on their lists.However, if you're looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of . Wear shoes on the beach. 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. However, the water here is a bit intimidating, so you might want to go out with somebody who can help you have more fun and be super safe. . Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! there arent many options and many people book before arriving. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. Theres not really too much to do in El Paredon, considering its a tiny beach town made up of just one paved road and several small dirt roads. Guatemala | Zoah Surf Hotel | El Paredon Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Renee - SALES. Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. The money will help run this site! They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places Unlike surfing which you have to do in the sea, you can stand-up paddleboard in the river, which means that you dont have to worry about the violent waves. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. This means, from November to April. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. I've worked abroad and remotely to support my adventure travel addiction, and now I'm sharing all my travel hacks, travel job opportunities, and ways you can travel longer! and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. It is one of the best surfing spots in Guatemala, and though you might not be able to do a lot of swimming, the black sand beaches are an incredible sight. Youll be watching the sun go down after another day in paradise with everyone else in El Paredon, its a social time to be at the beach for sure! El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. You can organize many of the activities mentioned above (like seeing the turtles or a boat tour) through La Choza Chula, a local social enterprise in El Paredon that benefits the community directly. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. Solola, Guatemala. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. 2023 Wander Her Way. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. Youll get to see their heads pop up to breathe! Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Review of Paredon Surf House, El If you want a break from all the exciting activities we recommended above, then maybe youll want to just lay down on the black sand and relax for a while. Exploring Hidden Gems and Eco-Tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? I think thats the name anyway! Fro. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days Again, you can STAY at these hotels if you want, then you can get free access, but they are also kind of party places and most offer dorms as the budget accommodation. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. If the place youre staying doesnt have its own pool, you can get a day pass at Mellow Hostel for Q150 (which includes Q100 bar tab.) If you are looking for a luxurious beach getaway or a beach that you can bask on for hours and hours while being catered to, this is NOT the place to go! Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Eating local is one of my favourite things to do in Guatemala and is one of the best things to do in El Paredon because 1. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. If youre planning a trip to El Paredon and are looking for how to get to El Paredon, where to stay in El Paredon, where to eat in El Paredonand what do to in El Paredon, this El Paredontravel guide will answer all of your questions. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. Best Times to Travel Guatemala El Paredon, Guatemala, Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! Nearby, youll find the Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a government-protected nature reserve that is home to a vast ecology of coastal plants and animals. I went to all of them, and the first two were my favorite only because you pay, and have it can go towards a tab. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Almost every place on the beach will have board rentals available; however, some do not rent to people who have never been surfing before because, as we have mentioned, the surf can be dangerous. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. and offers the balance of tranquil vibes around the pool along with medium doses of lets get in the ocean and surf baby! You can opt for beachfront bungalows, shared dorms (perfect for solo travellers) and sea view suites!